# The Big Bow Mystery — Chapters explained

> Chapter companions for The Big Bow Mystery by Israel Zangwill.

- [The Big Bow Mystery](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_big_bow_mystery_se/chapters/the-big-bow-mystery.md): The opening chapter introduces the setting of a foggy London morning in the Bow district, where Mrs. Drabdump discovers the body of her lodger, Arthur Constant, in his locked bedroom. The police are called, and the myste
- [I](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_big_bow_mystery_se/chapters/i.md): Mrs. Drabdump, the landlady, grows increasingly anxious when her lodger Arthur Constant fails to respond to her morning calls. After repeated knocking and attempts to enter his locked bedroom, she becomes convinced he is
- [II](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_big_bow_mystery_se/chapters/ii.md): The inquest into Arthur Constant's death begins, with testimony from Mrs. Drabdump, George Grodman, Denzil Cantercot, Inspector Howlett, Sergeant Runnymede, and Dr. Robinson. The medical evidence suggests the wound could
- [III](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_big_bow_mystery_se/chapters/iii.md): The inquest into Arthur Constant's death continues, with witnesses testifying to his character and a letter revealing a rare moment of despondency. The coroner systematically argues against suicide, pointing to physical 
- [IV](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_big_bow_mystery_se/chapters/iv.md): The chapter describes the public and media frenzy following the open verdict in Arthur Constant's death. Letters pour into newspapers, including a notable one from retired detective George Grodman, who offers to solve th
- [V](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_big_bow_mystery_se/chapters/v.md): Denzil Cantercot visits Grodman, who teases him about his writer's cramp and an epic poem. Denzil returns to the Crowl household, where Mrs. Crowl confronts him about unpaid board. Peter Crowl mentions that Tom Mortlake 
- [VI](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_big_bow_mystery_se/chapters/vi.md): Denzil Cantercot visits Detective Wimp to offer information about Tom Mortlake's missing sweetheart, Jessie Dymond, in hopes of earning money. Wimp interrogates him, revealing knowledge of Denzil's past and his authorshi
- [VII](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_big_bow_mystery_se/chapters/vii.md): Wimp invites Grodman to Christmas dinner, where they engage in a tense, deceptive conversation about Denzil Cantercot and the Constant murder. Grodman feigns ignorance while revealing an alibi for Denzil, unsettling Wimp
- [VIII](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_big_bow_mystery_se/chapters/viii.md): The New Year brings a new lodger to Mrs. Drabdump's—an old gentleman with a long gray beard who rents Arthur Constant's old rooms. This lodger is revealed to be Edward Wimp, who quietly observes Mortlake. The chapter bui
- [The Riot at the Unveiling](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_big_bow_mystery_se/chapters/ix.md): During the unveiling of Arthur Constant's portrait, Wimp attempts to arrest Tom Mortlake for murder, triggering a riot. Mortlake delivers a defiant speech, and the crowd, led by Peter Crowl, turns violent. In the chaos, 
- [The Trial of Tom Mortlake](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_big_bow_mystery_se/chapters/x.md): The trial of Tom Mortlake for the murder of Arthur Constant unfolds, with the prosecution presenting circumstantial evidence of jealousy and premeditation, while the defense argues the case is built on weak hypotheses. T
- [Chapter XI](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_big_bow_mystery_se/chapters/xi.md): As Tom Mortlake's execution approaches, public agitation intensifies. Grodman leads a rescue campaign, writing letters and organizing meetings, while the Home Secretary remains inflexible. Grodman confronts Denzil Canter
- [XII](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_big_bow_mystery_se/chapters/xii.md): Grodman confesses to the Home Secretary that he murdered Arthur Constant, detailing his scientific approach to the perfect crime and his motives for revealing the truth to save the innocent Tom Mortlake from execution.

HTML index: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_big_bow_mystery_se/chapters